Controversy over pounds spent on planters at Edinburgh schools

Edinburgh City Council has once again sparked debate by plonking a planter on the junction of Main Street and Silverknowes Road South.

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Pictures shared with the Evening News show a planter surrounded by road signs and sandbags blocking part of the entrance in Davidson’s Mains.

It is understood that these measures have been introduced to calm dangerous traffic and congestion that has been a problem at primary school gates across the capital.

A young father, who does not wish to be named, shared pictures of the planters with the Evening News.

He is a very keen cyclist as well as motorist who works and lives in Edinburgh And although he supports many of the changes that the council has brought in to make roads safer, he feels as though certain priorities need to be reassessed.

He said: “I like many of the changes brought in by the council to make roads safer but I feel there has to be better maintenance of cycle routes before we start placing planters everywhere. Our existing infrastructure for cyclists are already in poor condition.

“Generally I agree with Spaces for People (SfP) but just think resources could be better spent.”

Planters have been introduced to calm traffic and congestion at school gates.

A council spokesperson said: “These planters are to restrict access to only allow access for pedestrians and cyclists, creating a safer route for children, families and carers travelling to school as part of SfP.

“Safer access for residents, blue badge holders, school staff, deliveries, waste collection and emergency services will still be allowed. We hope drivers will respect these changes and recognise the very positive impact they can have for pedestrians and cyclists and the local community.”

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